CRM tools will continue to evolve over the next two years as companies make long-term investments in customer care. Through 2016, expect to see features like digital disruption and brand journalism play a role in the expanding market.

When you think of cloud-based CRM solutions, chances are Salesforce.com is one of the first companies that comes to mind. However, there are other equally viable cloud CRM solutions out there such as NetSuite CRM+, Ivinex and Zoho CRM with just as much to offer.

Implementing CRM software is a great way to get a grip on customer relations and give your business a boost across sales, customer service and all-around organization. But when your software is loaded up with a ton of great features, it can be easy to let useful features slip through the cracks. We’ve consulted with CRM experts and bloggers to bring you the top underutilized CRM features that you should tap into to unlock your CRM system's full potential.

Today's CRM solutions must be highly flexible and scalable to meet the demands of customers who conduct business on a number of different platforms and channels. With a true cloud engagement platform, Thunderhead.com has positioned itself as a major provider, offering solutions that facilitate engagement via diverse contexts and platforms.

While car dealerships can get by with tweaking a CRM solution to fit their needs, many businesses opt for an automotive-specific CRM solution. Here are the top automotive CRM solutions your business should consider.

When you think of cloud-based CRM solutions, chances are Salesforce.com is one of the first companies that comes to mind. However, there are other equally viable cloud CRM solutions out there such as NetSuite CRM+, Ivinex and Zoho CRM with just as much to offer.

BatchBlue's Batchbook is a small business CRM solution designed for smaller-scale companies. A co-founder of the Small Business Web, a non-profit for open API start-ups, CEO Pamela O'Hara believes all software should be open and integrated, so that small businesses can have access to the same functionality as large enterprises.

As a B2B marketing consultant, I know that a well-maintained client and prospect database (or lack thereof) can make or break a marketing campaign. More importantly, the right CRM system allows marketers to measure the ROI of a series of "touches" via long-term client development strategy.

There are many valid business cases for switching CRM systems, some internal, and some provided by the CRM suppliers themselves. Whether your business is in a phase of significant growth or seeking a change in direction, here are 5 tips on how to make the transition to a new and improved CRM solution easier for your company.

CRM, the tool for keeping track of sales leads and existing clients has been at the forefront of many of the trends that have swept business software from cloud hosting to mobile app extensions to open source. Here we share five free CRM systems (one of the best trend waves yet for CRM users), who they're good for and why we love them.

Contrary to the simple and quotidian image of Excel, many people underestimate the degree to which the tried-and-true spreadsheets can be and are expanded on for any number of business software uses, from accounting and business intelligence needs to CRM and contact management functions.

Infor enterprise CRM solutions are tailored to meet the unique demands of the vertical markets served by the company--whether you're an automotive company, a CPG manufacturer or a building materials distributor.

Twelve months ago, Microsoft acquired Netbreeze, a Swiss social media monitoring and analytics company offering solutions that allow businesses to "listen" to what’s being said about them, their products and their brands. How will this new addition to Microsoft enhance the company's offerings? Read on to find out.

Contrary to the simple and quotidian image of Excel, many people underestimate the degree to which the tried-and-true spreadsheets can be and are expanded on for any number of business software uses, from accounting and business intelligence needs to CRM and contact management functions.

If you've got a website then you've got a content management system to manage it, and if you have customers you probably use a customer relationship management software to keep track of them. CRM and CMS are both useful tools on their own -- why not bridge the gap and integrate them to take advantage of untapped relationships and establish greater customer satisfaction?

Microsoft Outlook, part of the Microsoft CRM portfolio, makes powerful and cost-efficient customer relationship management a reality for smaller businesses. When coupled with Business Contact Manager, Outlook can give sales staff the capabilities they need to more effectively manage their prospects, customers, and opportunities.

Earlier this month Oracle officially announced Oracle Public Cloud, a service providing users a managed and operated cloud infrastructure for running Oracle Fusion Apps, Middleware, Datacase and Java. Now, Oracle announced plans to acquire RightNow Technologies for $1.5 billion. RightNow is recognized as a global leader for its approach to delivering their Customer Service Cloud with integrated services across web, social networks and contact centers.

Last week, InsideView announced enhancements to its integration of SalesView with both Oracle CRM and Siebel CRM applications. InsideView is a proponent of social media and self-proclaimed leaders of the “Sales 2.0” push, and these latest updates to the SalesView product are a move in support of Oracle’s social CRM initiative.

Adopting a new SaaS solution or on-premise software for your business isn't exactly the same thing as purchasing and downloading a new app onto your phone. Business software resellers exist not only to sell a software solution, but to assist the client in the implementation process, troubleshooting and, ultimately, to drive down overall cost.

No matter what type of business or industry, if you deal with clients and customers, chances are a CRM system can help you better manage your customer relationships. Nonprofit organizations have unique needs that demand a CRM solution that fits their requirements. CRM for nonprofit solutions can help your organization create committed constituents, raise funds, and more.

Breaking into new segments is something Salesforce has pursued with gusto the past few years. We talk about how the company's behavior with previous acquisitions may transfer to the CRM giant's recent purchase of the Pardot marketing platform.

With Dreamforce coming up in a few weeks we figured it was as good a time as any to address question of finding serviceable alternatives to Salesforce.com CRM! In his question Kevin M. asks: "What are some good alternatives to Salesforce.com for a 5-to-12-employee company?" Since its inception Salesforce has grown to become one of the titans of CRM software and a torchbearer for the cloud. In recent years the company has expanded away from its initial focus on CRM as well.

Whether your company is interested in SAP CRM, Quickbooks accounting or another type of software, on-the-go access can be a desirable feature to look for in a system -- if it works properly. We've compiled a list of the top 10 worst mobile business apps where the reality falls short of the initial promise to conduct business while on the move.

SAP’s seeming lack of on-demand—and therefore modern—products has kept the brand under heavy fire for a pretty long time now. SAP does have cloud-based products though, and SAP CRM On-Demand has been on the market for a couple years now.

Adopting a new SaaS solution or on-premise software for your business isn't exactly the same thing as purchasing and downloading a new app onto your phone. Business software resellers exist not only to sell a software solution, but to assist the client in the implementation process, troubleshooting and, ultimately, to drive down overall cost.

BatchBlue's Batchbook is a small business CRM solution designed for smaller-scale companies. A co-founder of the Small Business Web, a non-profit for open API start-ups, CEO Pamela O'Hara believes all software should be open and integrated, so that small businesses can have access to the same functionality as large enterprises.

Recent shifts in the CRM market are paving the way for a new generation of affordable, flexible, multifaceted sales platforms. Below, we explore four such examples of cutting-edge sales tools that your SMB might consider.

CRM software is rapidly evolving to reflect trends like social and cloud, but when it comes to making sales nothing is more important than solid core CRM functionality. This is the philosophy of ClaritySoft CEO Steve Schade, who joined us recently to talk about his company’s focus on delivering a powerful, intuitive CRM, unburdened by superfluous features.

When you think of cloud-based CRM solutions, chances are Salesforce.com is one of the first companies that comes to mind. However, there are other equally viable cloud CRM solutions out there such as NetSuite CRM+, Ivinex and Zoho CRM with just as much to offer.

This week’s community question featured in our From the Community blog series comes from William D C, who asked, “What’s the best-rated CRM?” Our top-rated CRM software comparison list includes Salesforce.com Sales Cloud, Microsoft Dynamics CRM and Zoho CRM.

Social CRM enables companies to better listen and engage with customers through popular social channels. The truth is that a social CRM tool can be really useful for your promotional efforts -- if you know how to properly utilize it. Read on to discover the top social CRM tools designed for small businesses.

CRM tools will continue to evolve over the next two years as companies make long-term investments in customer care. Through 2016, expect to see features like digital disruption and brand journalism play a role in the expanding market.

Working with Microsoft Dynamics is a lot like dining at your local go-to restaurant: it adequately satisfies your cravings, but you can’t help but wonder if there might be a better alternative out there. The popular platform may perform well for most business types, but is it right for your business needs? Check out these 5 alternatives to Microsoft Dynamics CRM.

Top CRM Experts

Kiri Picone

Sheldon Smith

Senior Product Manager, XO Communications

Sheldon Smith, Senior Product Manager at XO Communications, the nationwide provider of telecommunication services. Sheldon has an extensive background in Unified Communications and in his current role, has overall product ownership of Hosted PBX and Conferencing.

Gareth Cartman

Marketing Manager, Clever Little Design

Gareth Cartman is a business blogger with a particular interest in marketing, CRM, IT and human resources. With several years' experience managing acquisition and digital marketing for HR outsourcing, Gareth knows how to deliver value and success.

Leah Quartano

James Robinson

Digital Marketing Manager, Sysco Software Solutions

I am a Digital Marketing Manager working for the largest Microsoft Dynamics partner in Ireland.

Sysco Software, in partnership with Microsoft Dynamics Ireland and UK, deliver world class business solutions. As your trusted partner we provide software solutions built on Microsoft Dynamics to businesses across the distribution, manufacturing, service and public sectors.

Alicia Gray

Marketing Manager, Vcare Technology

Alicia Gray is an BPO and outsourcing industry analyst, and writes about technology. Currently working with one of the BPO Services Provider of the world, her role has been instrumental in assisting businesses to choose the right BPO Services.

Jennifer Riggins

Marketing Director, Quote Roller

Jen is the marketing director and content guru for http://www.GetApp.com the go-to-place for B2B SaaS, among other awesome startups. Based in Barcelona, she also writes about 100s of Spanish startups, tech & innovation for CBS SmartPlanet: http://www.smartplanet.com/meet-the-team/jennifer.riggins/